There have been many times, particularly after going through divorce, where I have talked to my kids about cultivating happiness. Even when things are going wrong and everything seems to be falling apart around us, I tell them we can choose happiness. We have that power.
In Simple Giving, I talk about how having meaningful giving in our lives can make us happier and healthier. There’s an entire chapter on the psychology of giving. I talk about some of the research that shows how our generosity affects our physical and mental health.
I share a lot of resources in Simple Giving to help people find the path to giving that makes them happiest. DailyGood is one of my favorite resources. I’m sharing a really great article I read the other day here because it is everything I tell my kids (and myself) and even mentions a study I included in my book. There are also some really great exercises in the article that we can put into practice right now. It just seemed fitting for a Philanthropy Friday. Because if we are not happy, how can we give to ourselves or each other?
The article is Five Science-Backed Strategies for More Happiness by Kira M. Newman, syndicated from Greater Good, Apr 29, 2016.
As a bit of a tease, I’ll share the five strategies here:
- Acknowledge the good
- Add happiness through subtraction
- Find meaning and purpose
- Use your strengths
- Connect with others
Head on over to read the full article. I promise it is worth your time.
Five Science-Backed Strategies for More Happiness
Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer.
